A transformative transport vision for the West of England promises major changes not only for Bristol but for the wider North and North East Somerset region, stretching from Weston-super-Mare to Bath. Uniting the leadership of four local councils, including North Somerset—which is soon to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA)—the plan aims to revolutionize public transport with new mass transit options, improved bus services, and enhanced connectivity to key hubs like Bristol Airport.
Launched by Metro Mayor Helen Godwin at Ashton Gate, the West of England Transport Vision signals a new era of collaboration after years of fragmented efforts. Past disputes between regional leaders, such as former mayors Dan Norris and Marvin Rees, hampered progress, but now all authorities speak with one voice, committed to delivering integrated transport solutions.
Central to the vision is the recognition that significant economic growth and transport improvements are intertwined. The plan links major economic zones—the North Somerset Growth Gateway, spanning from Bristol Airport to Weston, and the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone near Radstock—with ambitious mass transit development. However, to finance these enhancements, leaders acknowledge that large-scale housing and commercial development on Green Belt land will be necessary, a move that has sparked debate.
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Cllr Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council, emphasized the reciprocal relationship between development and transport. “For new housing to work well, residents need excellent transport options,” she noted. The integration of North Somerset is expected to offer residents one ticketing system and unified timetables, facilitating easier travel for education, employment, and daily life.
Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Cllr Kevin Guy welcomed the newfound consensus and pointed out how political infighting previously left rural communities underserved. “Buses were once political pawns, but with a collaborative approach, we are aiming to secure much-needed government funding for sustainable transport,” he said. Cllr Guy also highlighted the critical role of investing in public transit to support developments like the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone, arguing that large-scale projects are essential for attracting jobs and services that small, scattered developments fail to deliver.
Despite the optimism, rural areas such as the Chew Valley face challenges with dwindling bus services. When First Bus withdrew services, local residents formed community-run routes with government aid—but that funding is set to expire soon. Cllr Guy criticized reductions in government bus grants for making it harder to sustain these vital lifelines.
Metro Mayor Godwin acknowledged the complexity of balancing visionary projects like trams and mass transit with the realities of sustaining rural bus routes. She stressed that buses remain the backbone of the network for most residents, especially in outlying areas, and indicated that a new bus plan is in development to ensure essential services remain accessible. “We’re committed to finding solutions to keep routes open, despite the high costs of running rural services,” she said, underscoring ongoing efforts to avoid service disruptions after the upcoming funding cliff edge.
This major transport vision represents a bold, unified regional effort to build a more connected and economically vibrant West of England—one that recognizes the need for both ambitious infrastructure and the preservation of key community services.